As the Boston Housing Authority responds to COVID-19, we are continuing to review changes to state and federal policies that affect the BHA and the residents we serve or allow BHA to better accommodate social distancing and the economic impacts of the novel coronavirus.
On March 27, 2020, the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. Among other measures, the CARES Act provides emergency support to public housing authorities and allows HUD to grant temporary waivers, or flexibility, with the numerous regulations that guide BHA in our operations.
HUD issued a notice on April 10, 2020 outlining regulatory waivers available to public housing authorities and subsequently updated the notice in July and November 2020 as well as May 2021. BHA adopted some of the available waivers. Pursuant to guidance issued by HUD, BHA is posting CARES ACT waivers it previously adopted on this page.
BHA - CARES ACT Waivers
In addition to the chart above, the BHA has provided a plain language explanation of the waivers that more directly impact residents and voucher holders we serve. For information on waivers affecting Public Housing residents or Housing Choice Voucher recipients, please see the notices below.
BHA Waiver Implementation for Families (English);
BHA Waiver Implementation for Families (Spanish);
BHA Waiver Implementation for Families (Chinese)
With questions about the Boston Housing Authority’s use of CARES Act waivers, please email Joel Wool.